Hyunmoo-5 "monster rocket" from South Korea

Hyunmu-5 at the parade on October 1, 2024.

South Korea is actively investing effort and resources into creating and maintaining a strategic deterrent system, aimed primarily at North Korea. As part of these programs, various classes of weapons and systems are being developed. For example, the latest mobile missile The Hyunmu-5 complex. Due to its special missions, it boasts enhanced tactical and technical characteristics.

Strategic deterrent

According to various estimates, development of the future Hyunmu-5 system, a continuation of the system line of the same name, began no later than the early 1920s. As early as 2022, official statements first mentioned the development of a new system with improved performance. Judging by the information available now, it was the new Hyunmu-5 that was being discussed at the time.

The main work on the project was completed by 2023-2024. South Korean industry completed the design and construction of prototypes. The first self-propelled combat vehicles were expected to be ready no later than autumn 24.

On October 1, 2024, a military parade was held in Seoul to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. During the event, the army displayed all its current and future weapons and military equipment, including strategic ones.

The parade featured the first demonstration of a new mobile missile system, the Hyunmu-5. Two self-propelled launchers with large transport and launch containers rolled through Seoul. The missiles were not on display. The official statement stated that they were "super-high-yield ballistic missiles."

The complex's appearance and hints of its potential impressed the press and the public, prompting epithets like "monster rocket."

Soon, the South Korean press published some details of the new project. It was reported that the Hyunmu-5 system is a continuation of the existing line of missile systems of the same name and differs significantly from those products. Specifically, key performance characteristics have been improved, and combat capabilities have also been significantly enhanced.

Missiles in the army

A few days ago, South Korean media reported the start of deliveries of Hyunmu-5 systems to combat units. The first units were delivered to the army at the very end of last year. New shipments of equipment and missiles for them are now expected. This will make it possible to carry out the desired rearmament in the coming years.

The exact number of systems the army requires is still unknown. Production costs, program expenses, and other information are also classified. However, it is reported that full operational readiness of all units and subunits will be achieved no later than 2030.

It is already known how the Republic of Korea will use the new Hyunmu-5. Systems of this class can be used for a preemptive disarming strike against an adversary or in a retaliatory/launch-on-warning strike. North Korea is considered a potential adversary whose facilities will be priority targets.

The target range for the new missiles is also roughly known. It has been reported that the Hyunmu-5 missile features an increased payload and increased firepower. The heavy warhead is capable of penetrating soil and destroying underground structures. This means that the new missile system will become a specialized tool for destroying command and control facilities and other infrastructure of a potential enemy.

The complex and its rocket

The Hyunmu-5 is a mobile land-based missile system designed to engage remote enemy targets. Its development utilized existing design solutions, but included a number of important innovations. These innovations resulted in improved key technical and combat characteristics.

Modern South Korean missile systems. In the foreground is the Hyunmu-4, behind it is the Hyunmu-5.

The self-propelled launcher is based on a special K901 chassis from Kia Motors. It is a nine-axle vehicle with a cabover configuration and a long cargo bed. It is capable of transporting a significant missile and associated equipment, and also exhibits excellent performance and maneuverability.

The launcher is mounted on the chassis platform. It has a ring-shaped launch pad with three supports and mounts for the transport and launch container. A pair of hydraulic cylinders verticalize the transport and launch container and lower the pad to the ground. Apparently, after launch, the combat vehicle can accept a new container and return to the launch site.

The new system's munition has not yet been officially demonstrated. Its full specifications also remain unknown, although some information and estimates are available.

Judging by the size of the transport and launch vehicle, the "monster rocket" is at least 15-16 meters long. Furthermore, it differs from other Hyunmu products by its larger diameter. Its weight is unknown. However, as early as 2022, officials were talking about the development of a promising rocket with a launch weight of 35 tons. They were likely referring specifically to the Hyunmu product.

The design and number of stages are unknown. The dimensions suggest the possibility of using two stages. Both stages should be powered by solid-fuel motors—the simplest and most effective solution for such a system. A detachable warhead may be used, which would optimize the missile's energy performance and improve key characteristics.

The Hyunmu-5's flight characteristics are still classified, leaving room for speculation. For example, some international opinion places its range at 500-600 km. However, even more ambitious estimates exist—up to 3 km. Various arguments are put forward in favor of both versions, which, overall, appear plausible.

Missile systems at an exhibition in September 2025.

Announcements in 2022 stated that the new 35-ton missile would receive an 8-ton warhead. It was likely this warhead that led to the increased size of the Hyunmu-5 missile and affected the overall design of the system. This is intended to be a penetrating warhead in a reinforced, larger casing.

Such a warhead is intended to be used against various types of buried structures—command posts, secure bases, industrial facilities, etc. According to various estimates, an 8-ton weapon, with a velocity typical of tactical or medium-range missiles, can penetrate at least 100-150 meters of soil.

Furthermore, a large explosive charge must create a shock wave in the ground. Depending on various factors, the underground facility may be hit directly and detonated, or damaged by the shock wave.

The ballistic missile may use a standard guidance system for such missiles. It should carry inertial and possibly satellite navigation devices. In terms of guidance principles, the Hyunmu-5 should be no different from other ballistic missiles of all classes.

Political instrument

The Republic of Korea continues its standoff with North Korea and maintains strained relations with several other countries in the region. This necessitates the development of its armed forces in general and strategic deterrence capabilities in particular.

The Hyunmu family of missile systems plays a significant role in deterrence. This line was recently expanded with a new product with improved performance characteristics. The Hyunmu-5 system recently began arriving in units and complements existing weapons.

Over the next few years, the South Korean military plans to acquire and field a significant number of new missile systems. After that, the Hyunmu-5 will become a fully-fledged instrument of military deterrence and military policy. Time will tell how successful it will be.

Comments

[smart fellow]

The system uses a "cold start" system: the missile is ejected from the transport and launch container by compressed gas, after which the sustainer engine ignites at an altitude of several meters. The Hyunmoo-5 complex is integrated into South Korea's "three-axis" strategic system (Kill Chain, KAMD, and KMPR) and is controlled by the newly created ROK Strategic Command. By reducing the payload, its theoretical range can reach 3000 kilometers, which places South Korean ballistic missiles in the class of medium-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs). The new missile is officially included in South Korea's KMPR (Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation) retaliatory strike doctrine. KMPR is a plan of response in the event of an attack by the DPRK (including the use of nuclear weapons) and has the following strategic narratives: "decapitation strikes" - the elimination of the enemy's military and political command; "Infrastructure destruction," which involves the complete destruction of areas of Pyongyang where the country's leaders may be hiding and key military facilities are located, as well as "deterrence by retaliation," which suggests that North Korea will refrain from attacking, recognizing the inevitability of a catastrophic retaliatory strike. The deployment of the Hyunmoo-5 became possible after the lifting of US-South Korean treaty limits on missile ranges in 2021, paving the way for Seoul to develop longer-range systems. The KMPR is the third pillar of the Republic of Korea's Three-Axis System, which includes Kill Chain—a preemptive strike against enemy missiles before they are launched; KAMD (Korea Air and Missile Defense)—a multi-layered air and missile defense; and the KMPR itself, as a retaliatory strike.
Many key targets in North Korea are located at depths of over 100 meters in granite rock, creating an extremely complex barrier. Even the most sophisticated conventional munitions, including the American GBU-57 penetrating bomb, are unable to reliably destroy targets at such depth, raising questions about the possibility of completely destroying them without the use of nuclear weapons.
In parallel, South Korea is working on advanced missile systems, provisionally designated Hyunmoo-6 and Hyunmoo-7, which are expected to be designed to further increase range or improve the ability to penetrate fortified defenses.

[smart fellow]

According to public opinion polls in South Korea, a large majority of the population supports developing their own nuclear weapons. South Korean President Park Chung-hee, according to one theory, was assassinated by the head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) for his nuclear program. The popular TV series "Iris" depicts the creation of a small nuclear device. South Korea requires less than a year to develop nuclear/thermonuclear warheads, while Japan requires three to six months. However, there are suspicions that all the necessary R&D has been completed, and these countries are ready to begin producing nuclear weapons as soon as possible, subject to a political decision.
Members of the "nuclear club" enjoy exclusive rights due to their possession of nuclear weapons and do everything possible to prevent other countries from developing them. The Americans also wield critical influence over Japan and South Korea.

[solar]

Japan and South Korea are considered "pre-nuclear" states, capable of developing nuclear weapons in a very short timeframe—literally within a year—if necessary due to changing foreign policy circumstances. Now the South Koreans have a ready-made delivery vehicle.
Until they need it, the States will cover it.

[Alex013]

South Korea may already be quietly building something. A base, that is. The republic currently has 26 nuclear reactors, including four under construction. They're also building nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic.

[futurohunter]

Yes, such a machine is only for missiles with a range of several thousand kilometers and nuclear warheads. They are not needed for anything else. Perhaps not for our own missiles, but for American ones...

[NOMADE]

This is one of those cases where the comment is more informative than the article itself. Thank you. The author is certainly a master of "kisil."

[Pushkowed]

The warhead is likely detachable and has a "booster" (second stage). Kinetic energy depends linearly on mass and quadratically on velocity. This means that penetration requires speed. A simple free fall of an 8-ton missile (especially from a height that's not even close to cosmic) wouldn't achieve such a speed. Moreover, any body has a "terminal velocity"—the point at which air resistance prevents further acceleration under the force of gravity. Due to air resistance, even ICBM warheads significantly lose speed in the terminal phase and become, in principle, susceptible to interception.

I don't know what the Koreans did there, but if I were tasked with designing such a thing, I would install a solid-fuel second stage that would activate at the terminal phase, giving the warhead a "negative delta" (downward acceleration).

[Bersaglieri]

Most likely, that's what they did - as with any "penetrator", like the BETAB with a turbojet engine

[futurohunter]

Pushkowed
Fall speed depends on aerodynamics. Warheads are deliberately slowed down so they exit the plasma cloud as quickly as possible, allowing their guidance systems to engage. Otherwise, you could just throw out a bunch of tungsten "scrap," like in a subcaliber projectile. That's what's done in the Oreshnik. Your additional "terminal" engine would greatly complicate the warhead, worsen its aerodynamics, and add almost no speed.
As for intercepting the warheads, you have a vague idea of ​​the process. Basically, they try to intercept the first stage before it separates. Because it ejects a bunch of debris—dummy targets and jammers—along with the warheads. True, they use atmospheric selection—the warheads are heavier, the "debris" is lighter, so the warheads move forward, leaving the debris behind. That leaves only two tasks:
1. To meet the warhead at the interception point in time - with hypersonic missiles, the problem arises because the interceptor does not have time to reach the meeting point
2. Hit the warhead at this interception point. This is precisely why nuclear warheads are used on interceptors, among other things. The creation of a cloud of dust particles that would destroy the incoming hypersonic wave is currently being considered.

[Bersaglieri]

The presence of a "powder block on afedron" will not affect aerodynamics in any way.

[futurohunter]

If you have a thin "crowbar", then it will be reflected very much

[alexoff]

Well, you have to calculate that: higher speed means a larger missile section, and a smaller warhead. Maybe they figured that a three-major drop would be sufficient, but at eight machs, the warhead is too weak for such a missile.

[Magic archer]

There's no point in an ICBM or a medium-range missile without the appropriate payload. Israel's example shows that the Jews are right to develop increasingly sophisticated Jericho missiles. Further proof that the Jews have their own nuclear bomb. This means the Koreans at least have plans to build one.

[Bersaglieri]

Israel has approximately 150 warheads.

[futurohunter]

Israel doesn't have them, but if necessary, they will use them.

[Bersaglieri]

Yes, Erwin Schrödinger and Golda Meir are amazing :)

[futurohunter]

There have long been a couple of proofs that the Jews have their own "nuclear loaf" - the Vela Incident in 1979, and the multi-story underground nuclear plant in Dimona

[Zaurbek]

In short - a "rocket mortar" with an 8-ton mine

[Alex013]

The targets for such a colossus are the DPRK bunkers, where almost all the military equipment is underground.

[Bersaglieri]

Exactly, yes. That's why it's called a "heavy" warhead.

[Kostadinov]

The cost of production, expenses for the release program, etc. are also classified.

There's nothing secret. The product is assembled primarily from imported components, and no one knows what their price or production volume will be. Nothing depends on the protectorate (UK).

Systems of this class can be used for a preemptive disarming strike against an adversary or in a retaliatory/retaliatory strike. The DPRK is considered a potential adversary whose facilities will be priority targets.

They can be used for a preemptive strike, but for a counter-attack, missiles without nuclear warheads will be of little use.

Thus, there is some popular belief abroad that the flight range reaches 500-600 km. However, there are also more ambitious estimates—up to 3 km.

There is no contradiction. With a heavy 8-ton warhead, the range is 500 km; with a light 1-ton warhead, the range is 3 km.

According to various estimates, an 8-ton missile, with a speed typical of operational-tactical missiles or medium-range missiles, can penetrate at least 100-150 meters of soil.

150 meters is only possible in soft soil and with an inert warhead. It's several times less against granite or reinforced concrete, and even with maximum penetration, the after-armor effect will be negligible.
With an 8-ton BETAB warhead, the penetration of the ground will be several meters and the explosive will be approximately 1 ton.

[Bersaglieri]

"Who sold documentation on Speed ​​to South Korea in the 90s?"

[futurohunter]

Nevsky Bastion Publishing House

[Bersaglieri]

Oh yes, Karpenko. I remember that resource, and the books too. Although, as for the full documentation, you'd have to ask Pasha Podvig, then. :)

[futurohunter]

Just kidding, I'm kidding. Most likely, the Koreans used American developments. Or maybe the Americans designed the missile for them.

[Fitter65]

The complex's appearance and hints of its potential impressed the press and the public, prompting epithets like "monster rocket."

I agree that it's a monster missile, but what can it possibly compete with against a simple missile armed with a nuclear warhead, or even more, that might come from North Korea? Only the excellent maneuverability of the towing vehicle on paved surfaces?

[futurohunter]

Such things aren't made overnight. And it's entirely possible that something American and nuclear is already stuffed into that pipeline. NATO pilots have flown with American "nuclear loaves," after all.

[Fitter65]

Quote: futurohunter

Such products aren't made overnight. And it's entirely possible that something American and nuclear is already stuffed into that pipeline.

And why the hell did they stuff something American there? Especially since the Americans withdrew their nuclear weapons from the South Caucasus in 1991.

Quote: futurohunter

NATO pilots flew with American "nuclear loaves"

With imitators, just like the Poles did during the Soviet era.

[futurohunter]

In fact, we don't know whether they were taken out or not. Even if they were, there's nothing stopping them from being brought back in. Anything is possible these days. The missile was most likely made under American supervision. And possibly under American control.

With imitators, just like the Poles did during the Soviet era

If they'd given the order, they would have flown with the real thing. That's why they flew with simulators. Incidentally, not only the Poles, but the Czechs too. Our guys also flew with simulators and dropped them, since the "loaves" could only be detonated underground, according to the agreement.

[Fitter65]

Quote: futurohunter

In fact, we don't know whether they were taken out or not. Even if they were, there's nothing stopping them from being brought back in.

Control over the movement of special ammunition is slightly different from that of other weapons systems.

Quote: futurohunter

The missile was most likely developed under American supervision. And possibly under American supervision.

This is all speculation, and without any substantiation. You can assume a lot, but here's how it really is.

[futurohunter]

Control over the movement of special ammunition is a little different

We have no control over this. All we can do is trust the Americans on their word of honor.

This is all speculation, and not supported by any evidence.

...Basic logic. The South Koreans haven't been seen with this kind of technology before. Making a transporter isn't a problem these days. A ballistic missile is another matter. Considering that South Korea is under US control, a significant number of its weapons were manufactured with American assistance. Take the K1 tank, for example, which even looks like an Abrams. Designing it ourselves would take a very long time, and there's no guarantee of success. Using "external" assistance is much more productive. Take the active participation of Ukraine's Yuzhmash in developing missiles for South Korea, for example. Considering that Americans like to fight with proxies and under cover, it's entirely possible that the missile was made by the Americans (or with their participation), according to American specifications, using American components, and utilizing American warheads (both "conventional" and "special"). Time will reveal all the secrets. But there's no point in denying what I wrote.

[Fitter65]

Quote: futurohunter

We have no control over this. All we can do is trust the Americans on their word of honor.

The same as they do with us, but some control options remain and they are in effect.

Quote: futurohunter

Elementary logic. The South Koreans hadn't previously been observed using this kind of technology. Building a transporter isn't a problem these days. A ballistic missile is a different matter.

Well, basic logic dictates that South Korea once had virtually no industry, and now its tanks and aircraft are bought by Poland, which used to produce both tanks and aircraft. A ballistic missile... Pakistan is much more technologically backward than South Korea, but it has acquired both a nuclear bomb and missiles, just like India, which hasn't been able to develop its own aircraft or, incidentally, a tank for 40 years. So the question of whether the Americans really helped the South Koreans with the missile remains open. Quite a few countries have or have had the technology and other capabilities to produce missiles. And a multi-axle tractor isn't that easy to build either, although the Koreans have some experience in the civilian sector... It's entirely possible that the Americans could have suggested what and how. Experts in indirect factors will be able to determine where, whose, and what technologies were used.

[futurohunter]

Some control options remain and they are in effect

Which ones? Aerial photography and space reconnaissance won't help. Only human intelligence. But that's not easy.

At one time, South Korea had virtually no industry, but now its tanks and planes are purchased by Poland, which produced both tanks and planes

Firstly, South Korea retained factories built by the Japanese after World War II. Secondly, South Korea, like China later, became a "world factory," acquiring foreign factories and, with them, technology. In Poland, virtually all factories were built by the USSR. The country was predominantly agricultural. Only shipbuilding was developed. Tanks and aircraft were produced under Soviet licenses. Even Polish automobiles were developed using Soviet components. Poland was only able to independently produce the TS-11 Iskra trainer aircraft. All other Polish creations, including the PT-11 Tvardy tank, were modifications of Soviet equipment. They proved uncompetitive on the global market. Therefore, when Poland left the Warsaw Pact and turned to the West, its production became irrelevant. Moreover, Polish officials, in exchange for generous kickbacks, cut back on their own production. South Korea is a different matter. Despite external dependence, they chose to develop their own industry.

Pakistan is a much more technologically backward country than South Korea, but it has acquired a nuclear bomb and missiles, just like India.

Don't forget that all these missiles have a Soviet connection. They trace their roots to the Soviet R-17 Elbrus (SCUD) missile, of which there are many around the world. China and North Korea helped Pakistan develop missiles. And China now dominates Pakistan's military-industrial complex. In nuclear matters, Pakistan relied on France, with possible participation from China and North Korea. And the Chinese built a very powerful aviation industry in Pakistan. Incidentally, India also benefited from French nuclear know-how. And the USSR helped with missiles.

India, which has been unable to bring its aircraft to fruition for 40 years

But they can certainly create their own helicopters, which is no easier than creating an airplane. In general, India has a weak aircraft manufacturing school. All the aircraft they've produced, considered "their own," were either developed with foreign participation or built under license (Ajeet, Marut, Su-30MKI). As for themselves, we see the Tejas that crashed at the Dubai airshow. And it's clear its roots are in the French Mirage.

a multi-axle tractor is also not so easy to make

What's so difficult about that? By the way, look at the North Korean multi-axle transporters. Or the picture below – that crane is actually made in South Korea. Do you really think they can't do anything better? And then there's reverse engineering. There are plenty of large multi-axle machines in the world. You could buy them and copy them. The components are also easy to find on the global market. And South Korea is capable of making its own – even large motors. It has its own shipbuilding industry.
Rather, American aid helped the South Koreans develop the missile. Because they haven't been noted for their missile achievements, unlike their northern counterparts, whose missiles have spread to many countries.

[Fitter65]

Quote: futurohunter

What's so complicated about that? By the way, look at the North Korean multi-axle transporters. Or the picture below – that crane is actually manufactured in South Korea.

By the way, I said that the Koreans have made progress in this regard.

Quote: futurohunter

Which ones? Aerial photography and space reconnaissance won't help. Only human intelligence. But that's not easy.

Well, there are still some agreements in effect here, which, oddly enough, the US is honoring.

Quote: futurohunter

Firstly, in South Korea, after the Second World War, there were factories built by the Japanese.

Well, the point is that they were built by the Japanese, and almost all the management and engineering and technical workers were Japanese.

Quote: futurohunter

Some control options remain and they are in effect

Which ones? Aerial photography and space reconnaissance won't help. Only human intelligence. But that's not easy.

At one time, South Korea had virtually no industry, but now its tanks and planes are purchased by Poland, which produced both tanks and planes

Firstly, South Korea retained factories built by the Japanese after World War II. Secondly, South Korea, like China later, became a "world factory," acquiring foreign factories and, with them, technology. In Poland, virtually all factories were built by the USSR. The country was predominantly agricultural. Only shipbuilding was developed. Tanks and aircraft were produced under Soviet licenses. Even Polish automobiles were developed using Soviet components. Poland was only able to independently produce the TS-11 Iskra trainer aircraft. All other Polish creations, including the PT-11 Tvardy tank, were modifications of Soviet equipment. They proved uncompetitive on the global market. Therefore, when Poland left the Warsaw Pact and turned to the West, its production became irrelevant. Moreover, Polish officials, in exchange for generous kickbacks, cut back on their own production. South Korea is a different matter. Despite external dependence, they chose to develop their own industry.

Pakistan is a much more technologically backward country than South Korea, but it has acquired a nuclear bomb and missiles, just like India.

Don't forget that all these missiles have a Soviet connection. They trace their roots to the Soviet R-17 Elbrus (SCUD) missile, of which there are many around the world. China and North Korea helped Pakistan develop missiles. And China now dominates Pakistan's military-industrial complex. In nuclear matters, Pakistan relied on France, with possible participation from China and North Korea. And the Chinese built a very powerful aviation industry in Pakistan. Incidentally, India also benefited from French nuclear know-how. And the USSR helped with missiles.

India, which has been unable to bring its aircraft to fruition for 40 years

But they can certainly create their own helicopters, which is no easier than creating an airplane. In general, India has a weak aircraft manufacturing school. All the aircraft they've produced, considered "their own," were either developed with foreign participation or built under license (Ajeet, Marut, Su-30MKI). As for themselves, we see the Tejas that crashed at the Dubai airshow. And it's clear its roots are in the French Mirage.

a multi-axle tractor is also not so easy to make

What's so difficult about that? By the way, look at the North Korean multi-axle transporters. Or the picture below – that crane is actually made in South Korea. Do you really think they can't do anything better? And then there's reverse engineering. There are plenty of large multi-axle machines in the world. You could buy them and copy them. The components are also easy to find on the global market. And South Korea is capable of making its own – even large motors. It has its own shipbuilding industry.
Rather, American aid helped the South Koreans develop the missile. Because they haven't been noted for their missile achievements, unlike their northern counterparts, whose missiles have spread to many countries.

Before World War II?

Quote: futurohunter

The country was predominantly agricultural. Shipbuilding was the only developed industry. Tanks and aircraft were produced under Soviet license.

Developed shipbuilding in an agricultural country? The Poles had their own developments in the post-war period.

Quote: futurohunter

Even Polish cars were developed on the basis of Soviet units.

Lublin-51 and Warsaw? Later, they purchased licenses from Renault and Fiat – the Jelcz and Star, the Polonez – a purely Polish design. Construction equipment from Stalowa Wola worked on many construction sites in the USSR. Just like passenger electric locomotives from the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic on Soviet railways. Polish electronics, which they produced under license from Siemens and Philips... I myself, while serving in the SGV, took a Polish Kasprzak – it differed from the Grundyk only in the nameplate. The USSR even purchased equipment for its poultry farms from the Polish People's Republic. For example, in 1986-87, at the Yevsinskaya poultry farm in the Iskitim district of the Novosibirsk region, the Poles converted several poultry houses there, one of which was used by my mother, sister, and stepfather. So I wouldn't say Poland was an agrarian country. By and large, if not for perestroika, it, like the UK later, could have acquired technology and other things; they are now the EU's "apple region."

Quote: futurohunter

Therefore, when Poland left the Warsaw Pact and turned to the West, its production became of no use to anyone. And Polish officials, in exchange for generous kickbacks, cut their own production.

So when our officials sold out the USSR, one official said why should we invest in production in Russia if we can buy it... The result is obvious.

Quote: futurohunter

South Koreans are a different matter. Despite their external dependence, they chose to develop their own industry.

That's also wrong. It wasn't their preference; it simply turned out to be advantageous for someone to relocate some production from technologically advanced countries to countries with cheap labor. It's the same thing the USSR did in the Polish People's Republic, only at a higher technological level. They didn't develop that way; they were elevated that way. True, while the West "failed" a bit with China, they're doing just fine with the South Caucasus.
Regarding Indian helicopters—French licenses and technology... Returning to the Korean rocket, everyone eventually starts making them, relying on their own designs or someone else's, developing their own technologies or borrowing them. But this is only happening in Africa, and not everywhere. Wooden scooter production technologies are developing. And what achievements are the South Koreans particularly noted for? They're working quietly.

[futurohunter]

all management and engineering and technical workers were Japanese

However, the South Koreans didn't start from scratch. In fact, their famous auto industry also began with copies of Japanese cars.

Developed shipbuilding in an agricultural country?

They had an aircraft industry before World War II. Just remember the planes they brought with them when they met the Germans in 1939! And after the war, it was the USSR, mostly, that rebuilt their industry. And yes, the Italians and the French also helped. All your examples only show that certain industries were distributed within the CMEA framework. The Czechs were given the production of light jet aircraft, the Poles – agricultural aviation, the Romanians – light piston-engine sports and training aircraft, and so on. In fact, they were given away completely, they were discontinued from production in the USSR. Although the engines in them were still Soviet. Likewise, they opened licensed production of Soviet tanks and aircraft. But, at the same time, they themselves produced little. Well, as you rightly noted, all these socialist countries served as a bridge between the USSR and the West. Some things from the West reached the USSR through them. But, again, they did little on their own initiative. And being a "buffer" was extremely convenient for them. It's just that the USSR then lost its position to the West, so they fled to a more powerful master.

And what achievements are South Koreans particularly notable for?

That's where you're wrong. Samsung controls over 32% of the global RAM and display market. Foolish iPhone-hungry youth disdain Samsung, forgetting that iPhones have Samsung screens. And until recently, they also had Samsung processors. Samsung screens are the best in the world. And in other electronics, Samsung also ranks among the leaders. Before the Chinese expansion, the South Korean auto industry was achieving a dominant position globally.

everyone, when over time they begin to make them, relying on their own developments or on someone else's

You're 100% wrong here. Many (the Chinese, for example) started with reverse engineering or licensed production. For example, our aircraft engine industry started this way twice. The engines that gave our fighters the upper hand against the Luftwaffe are distant descendants of French and American ones. And when jet aircraft took off, we were only able to close the gap with the West after purchasing British Nins and Derwent engines. The Americans, by the way, did the same. In Korea, in aerial combat, our aircraft faced off against American ones, which were equipped with almost identical engines. The current Soyuz launch vehicle is a direct descendant of Korolev's R-7 ICBM, which itself is directly descended from the German V-1. Although, of course, you won't find anything in the Soyuz in common with the V-2. Not to mention that our auto industry has repeatedly started out producing foreign or nearly foreign-made cars. I don't argue that we can, of course, do it ourselves. But using someone else's developments is faster. At least we don't have to repeat the same mistakes that someone else has already made.

[futurohunter]

It wasn't their preference; it simply turned out to be profitable for someone to move some production from technologically advanced countries to countries with cheap labor. It wasn't they who developed this way; they were elevated this way. True, while the West "failed" a bit with China, they're doing just fine with the South Caucasus.

Not quite so. So yes, someone decided to locate it. But the locals turned out to be no fools either. South Korea, for example, has long been locating its production in other countries. For example, electronics have long been produced in Vietnam. Cars – partially in Indonesia. For a while – in Uzbekistan, until the Americans gobbled them up. It all depends on how deeply "foreign investors" are allowed to penetrate the country. The Chinese allowed factories to be built, but they didn't allow them to penetrate the country's economy. The Koreans… allowed a lot. But judging by the emergence of Korean industrial giants, known throughout the world, the Koreans were able to keep some things for themselves. And what happens next depends on the Korean authorities. Will they want to continue to be a semi-colony of the United States, or play their own role in the world? It seems to me that they are slowly and quietly regaining their sovereignty. Albeit with great pain…

[Nikolaevich I]

Readers at VO have often dreamed of using 5- and 9-ton aerial bombs on the SVO, without even thinking about where to get the launch vehicles! Well, now the problem is solved! Join us for a Henma-5!

[futurohunter]

Yeah, they'd rather sell it to the outskirts...

[matsur]

It seems Comrade Kim is having second thoughts after the operation in Venezuela. His personal security arrangements may be being reconsidered now. But in this case, we have an agreement with them and we believe that Venezuelan troops are as good next to North Koreans as a mouse is next to an elephant. They're motivated and politically savvy.

[futurohunter]

Things are different in South Korea than in Venezuela. The security system for the party and political leadership has been built over the years. And American agents don't wander around there, like in Venezuela—it's a closed country. Especially since Trump already broke his teeth in South Korea. I think a Venezuelan scenario is currently impossible in South Korea.

[matsur]

Quote: Fitter65

The complex's appearance and hints of its potential impressed the press and the public, prompting epithets like "monster rocket."

I agree that it's a monster missile, but what can it possibly compete with against a simple missile armed with a nuclear warhead, or even more, that might come from North Korea? Only the excellent maneuverability of the towing vehicle on paved surfaces?

Well, the Americans could help, plus they have the capability to prevent a nuclear missile from even launching from the North. After that, those monsters will plow through all the targets. That's an option. But we have an agreement with them, and it seems to be a military one. So we can't just up and attack them. And if the opposite happens and we don't come to their aid, then our reputation will be in tatters, and no one will ever negotiate with us again.

[futurohunter]

It's not about the treaty with us. Russia is tightly occupied with its periphery. But North Korea has its own capabilities to inflict unacceptable damage on the Americans. North Korea doesn't have anything of interest to the Americans at the moment. Don't forget, too, that North Korea is a protégé of China. And the US isn't yet ready to quarrel with China, which is home to almost all American manufacturing.

[pudelartemon]

What are we even talking about? Seoul is only 27 (that's twenty-seven!!!) kilometers from the North Korean border. Even a medium-caliber missile can reach it, and Seoul is guaranteed to disappear from the face of the earth within 30 minutes of the conflict starting. And Seoul represents at least 50% of everything in the Republic of Korea. Southerners understand this well and have long dreamed of nuclear weapons, but America won't let them. There are reasons for that.

[futurohunter]

Regarding nuclear weapons in South Korea. They have nuclear energy, which means they have the potential to develop nuclear weapons. South Korea is a high-tech country with advanced science, and developing nuclear weapons is simply a matter of political will and time. Given their dependence on the US and the infiltration of US intelligence agents in South Korea, the Americans could simply block this process. However, if the "Americans" don't interfere, the South Koreans could even benefit from assistance from Israel, with whom they actively cooperate in the military-technical sphere. Regarding missiles, the South Koreans could also utilize Israeli developments.

[Kostadinov]

Well, the Americans can help, plus they have the capabilities to prevent a nuclear missile from even taking off from the North.

How will they prevent North Korean missiles from taking off if they couldn't prevent Iranian ones from taking off?
And the Persians learned from the North Koreans about missiles.

[Big_Rocket_does_Bang]

Well, the Iranians lost at least dozens of launchers, and according to Israeli data, hundreds (which is doubtful). So they certainly interfered with the missile launch. And here, the flight time is incomparably shorter, and the density of the launchers is also lower.

[Yaroslav Tekkel]

Incidentally, if you draw a circle on a map with a radius of 3000 km centered on South Korea, all populated areas of China fit perfectly within it. Beyond that are all sorts of semi-deserts, and everything valuable is covered by a new missile. All that's left is to build a decent warhead.